Presidential Communications

 

 

Greetings TTUHSC faculty and staff,

 

Reflecting on the last few months, I am sure many of us could have never imagined the disruption to our day-to-day lives that we now attribute to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the uncertainty these disruptions have caused, you each have demonstrated reassuring solidarity through your perseverance.

Now, as we work toward returning to our campuses, I want to share the following updates.

Academic instruction update
Beginning July 6, specific course activities requiring special instruction or student assessment may be offered on campus with modifications to ensure the safety of our TTUHSC community. Otherwise, our on-campus academic courses will remain online throughout the summer. By May 29, school representatives will be communicating with students regarding program specifics. Review these FAQs for additional information and guidelines for students to return to campus.

As we continue to closely monitor the impact of COVID-19, I will provide communication by mid-July regarding the fall semester.

Return to campus phased plans
Like many of you, I too am eager to be back on campus and resume normal operations. However, unlike our need to move off of our campuses with expediency, our strategy for returning to work on campus is being implemented in phases as appropriate for the unique needs of each campus, school, and division. This results in multiple phases implemented simultaneously across the university.

Our Vice Presidents and Deans, in coordination with the Regional Deans, have submitted phased plans for their respective areas, specifying the timing of implementation of the operational phases. Your supervisors will be communicating this information with you if they have not already done so. If you need additional information or have concerns, I would encourage you to contact your campus HR representative. They can direct you to the appropriate resources as well as assist you in working with your supervisor for clarity on your respective plan.

Naturally, many questions arise during such an unprecedented transition - including continued remote work options, travel, caregiver responsibilities, building access, and high-risk factors. Team members from across our campuses representing academics, research, clinics, operations, and managed care are developing guidance, which we will share on the HR COVID-19 Guide website in the coming weeks.

Protecting our team
From the beginning of this pandemic, your safety and well-being have been and continue to be our top priority. While you have been off-campus, our facilities and safety services teams have led efforts to deep-clean classrooms, labs, and common spaces. As our campuses re-open, they will maintain an enhanced cleaning program that focuses on high-touch areas such as door handles, stair rails, and elevator buttons. Additionally, they have increased hand-sanitizer stations throughout our campuses for your convenience.

You have a significant role in protecting our TTUHSC community, as well. Please continue to practice social distancing and adhere to proper hygiene. As you return to campus, TTUHSC employees are asked to wear facial coverings in common spaces and participate in daily health and wellness screenings.

We are in this together: ONE TEAM
We still have a challenging journey ahead. Please remain flexible and patient as this situation remains fluid. Be proud knowing that what we have accomplished as a university to maintain operations while contributing to solutions against COVID-19 is nothing short of remarkable.

 

Warmest regards,

 

 

 

 

Lori Rice-Spearman, Ph.D.
Interim President and Provost
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center